Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientist

LIsa Black

Cape Coral, FL

Female, 49

I spent the five happiest years of my life in a morgue. As a forensic scientist in the Cleveland coroner’s office I analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes. Now I'm a certified latent print examiner and CSI for a police department in Florida. I also write a series of forensic suspense novels, turning the day job into fiction. My books have been translated into six languages.

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Last Answer on July 21, 2022

Best Rated

Im doing a science assignment, and was wondering if i could email you and ask you some questions about your career as a forensic scientist. Could you email me if so! email: bigt9800@gmail.com

Asked by Tyler over 8 years ago

Sure I'll catch you when I'm back at work tomorrow.

I have multiple questions to ask for a school project. Should I ask them all at once?

Asked by Rachael over 8 years ago

Please email me at Lisa-black@live.com.

Can you figure out someone's identity by a blood sample? Like figure out their DNA and who they are?

Asked by Ashton about 8 years ago

You can say that this blood came from this person. But you have to have a DNA sample from that person to compare it to. (A swab from inside the mouth is fine, it doesn't need to be blood.) or they need to be already in the DNA database.

What kind of background is necessary to qualify for this job? (Thank you for your time) advance

Asked by Nate over 8 years ago

That entirely depends on where you want to work. Each lab has its own requirements. My first job wanted a bachelor’s degree in any natural science. My current job just requires a HS diploma, but it helps to have advanced degrees so we all have at least a B.S. There is no uniform job definition or title for forensic work--your title is whatever your boss says it is, and crime labs can be a small place that only tests drugs and fingerprints or a large, full service place that does everything from questioned documents to DNA. 

my friend died under strange circumstances. there was alcohol, cocaine & marijuana in her toxicology report that was performed at the hospital. she was put on life support & died a few days later. her arms & legs were stiff. what does that mean? OD?

Asked by trina almost 9 years ago

I'm sorry about your friend but I wouldn't have any idea what it means. You'd have to ask a doctor if stiffness of the limbs is a symptom of certain drugs.

I have 2 questions please What are the maximun and minumun time ranges for the sructural changes that 'love bites' go through? Would these be quicker if on more delicate skin?

Asked by Mcbyrne almost 9 years ago

Wow, I'm sorry but I have absolutely no idea. You might need to ask a pathologist.

What is the future outlook for this profession?

Asked by Candace about 8 years ago

DNA and digital forensics will continue to grow in terms of technology and attention.